David Flanigan

David Flanigan, MD

  • Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
  • Physician

Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics

Accepting new patients

Insurances We Accept

About Me

I am an orthopaedic surgeon, fellowship-trained and certified in sports medicine. I specialize in sports-related injuries. More specifically, my practice is primarily focused on the lower extremity injuries and knee injuries (anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, reconstructions and revisions, meniscal injuries, repair and transplantation, multi-ligament injuries, cartilage injuries and restorative procedures, patella instability corrective surgeries, and ligament and tendon tears).

Dealing with knee and sports-related injuries can range from simple to complex. I believe in involving patients with their care, exploring all options to improve their health and returning them to the best condition possible.

I love my job because The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has allowed me to blend my passion for clinical care, research and education all together. Because of this, I believe patients are receiving the best, most up-to-date care in the United States.
Highlights
  • Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2018, 2019
  • Director of Cartilage Restoration Program
  • Ohio State Department of Athletics Team Physician
  • Richard O'Connor Award recipient
  • Best Doctor in America 2017
  • Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list

Procedures and Conditions I Treat

  • Orthopedics
  • Leg Injuries
  • Arthroscopy
  • Menisci, Tibial
  • Sports Medicine
  • Foot Injuries
  • Knee Injuries
  • Athletic Injuries
  • Surgical Specialties

Locations Where I Practice

Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.

Education and Training

Education History

Medical School

University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
8/1/1994 - 5/30/1998

Internship

Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL
6/17/1998 - 6/25/1999

Residency

Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL
6/27/1999 - 6/20/2003

Fellowship

University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI
8/1/2003 - 7/30/2004

Board Certifications

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
7/13/2007

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine
11/4/2010

Academic Information

My Department

Orthopaedics

My Division

Orthopaedics

More About My Work

Reviews

The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

172 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

  • Overall
    4.8 out of 5
  • Explains Things Carefully
    4.7 out of 5
  • Listens Carefully
    4.8 out of 5
  • Gives Understandable Instructions
    4.7 out of 5
  • Knows My Medical History
    4.7 out of 5
  • Shows Respect
    4.8 out of 5
  • Time Spent Together
    4.7 out of 5
  • Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025

    Amazing

  • Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

    He was great. Loved his bed side manner .

  • Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

    ALWAYS empathetic and professional

  • Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

    Very nice and knowledgeable

  • Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

    Dr Flanagan is great. He always makes me feel safe and listened to. He takes time for all my questions. He is honest about likely outcomes and doesn't push procedures. He respects the importance of physical therapy. And he is that rare surgeon who is amazing at both surgery and bedside manner and I would recommend him to anyone

  • Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

    He is amazing!

  • Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

    Excellent

  • Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

    This is the 4th Orthopedic specialist I have seen, the first in the OSU system. I finally feel seen, heard, and properly diagnosed.

Consulting and Related Relationships

At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.

As of 09/30/2024, Dr. Flanigan has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.

  • Depuy Mitek, Inc.
  • Smith & Nephew
  • vericel
  • Conmed
  • Hyalex Orthopaedics
  • Moximed

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